Why We Dedicate Our Children (Part 2)

This is the second post on our reasoning behind dedicating our children. If you missed last weeks post please click (here)
Week Two: Us before our Church.

By making this public declaration before our Church, we are inviting them to hold us accountable to the vows we made to the Lord.

Because we are charged not to neglect the assembly (Hebrews 10:24), it is safe to presume that the local Church is not a chore, but a gift from the Lord to make our stay here as sojourners more enjoyable. One of my favorite things about being a part of a local Church is having a family that is built, not on a genetic legacy, but on the foundation of our mutual love for Jesus Christ. It is because of our partnership in the Gospel that we work together in hopes of seeing lives transformed by the power of the Gospel.

However, teaching others to observe all that we’ve been commanded is not the extent of our calling. We must emulate the example set before us in the Holy Scriptures and continually remind one another of the truth and beauty of the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. And not only this, but push one another to take on the attitude of Christ Jesus in every aspect of our life, even our parenting. While this seems like an abstract thought, the application of this charge can be fleshed out in teaching, encouragement, admonishment, or rebuke.

They can do this by:

Raising their children in such a way that would set an example for us to follow (Titus 2:4).

Encouraging us when they see that we have managed our household well. As an Elder of a Church, it is not only my Christian duty, but a requirement of my position to show good judgement and be disciplined in the way that I raise the children that God has entrusted us with (1 Timothy 3:4-5).

Coming directly to us with any concerns/warnings on any deviations from our vows, and not gossiping about us or our children through the guise of a prayer request (Proverbs 16:28).

Rebuking us if we refuse to heed to our brother or sister’s warning. This is not a charge to rebuke us if we hold a differing opinion on a particular methodology, but only if we are clearly neglecting a Biblical command concerning the way we ought to raise our children (2 Timothy 3:16-17).